We shall in the future, as in the past, use every endeavor to maintain and enlarge our friendly relations with all the great powers, but they will not expect us to look kindly upon any project that would leave us subject to the dangers of a hostile observation or environment.  We have not sought to dominate or to absorb any of our weaker neighbors, but rather to aid and encourage them to establish free and stable governments resting upon the consent of their own people.  We have a clear right to expect, therefore, that no European Government will seek to establish colonial dependencies upon the territory of these independent American States.  That which a sense of justice restrains us from seeking they may be reasonably expected willingly to forego.

It must not be assumed, however, that our interests are so exclusively American that our entire inattention to any events that may transpire elsewhere can be taken for granted.  Our citizens domiciled for purposes of trade in all countries and in many of the islands of the sea demand and will have our adequate care in their personal and commercial rights.  The necessities of our Navy require convenient coaling stations and dock and harbor privileges.  These and other trading privileges we will feel free to obtain only by means that do not in any degree partake of coercion, however feeble the government from which we ask such concessions.  But having fairly obtained them by methods and for purposes entirely consistent with the most friendly disposition toward all other powers, our consent will be necessary to any modification or impairment of the concession.

We shall neither fail to respect the flag of any friendly nation or the just rights of its citizens, nor to exact the like treatment for our own.  Calmness, justice, and consideration should characterize our diplomacy.  The offices of an intelligent diplomacy or of friendly arbitration in proper cases should be adequate to the peaceful adjustment of all international difficulties.  By such methods we will make our contribution to the world’s peace, which no nation values more highly, and avoid the opprobrium which must fall upon the nation that ruthlessly breaks it.

The duty devolved by law upon the President to nominate and, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to appoint all public officers whose appointment is not otherwise provided for in the Constitution or by act of Congress has become very burdensome and its wise and efficient discharge full of difficulty.  The civil list is so large that a personal knowledge of any large number of the applicants is impossible.  The President must rely upon the representations of others, and these are often made inconsiderately and without any just sense of responsibility.  I have a right, I think, to insist that those who volunteer or are invited to give advice as to appointments shall exercise consideration and fidelity.  A high sense of duty and an ambition to improve the service should characterize all public officers.